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RECITATIONS 
BOYS ° 



RICIIARDS. 



p.' 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 

Wiap CopyrioJit No. 




UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, 



59 



''SMILES 

A BOOK OF RECITATIONS FOR GIRLS 

^^THOUGHTS" 

A BOOK OF READINGS FOR THE 
GIRLS AND BOYS IN TEENS 



BY 

ALICE LEWIS RICHARDS 




LISLE 



"WINKS" 



A BOOK OF RECITATIONS 
FOR BOYS 



BY , 

ALICE LEWIS RICHARDS 



CUYAHOGA FALLS, OHIO 
19CX) 



79572 



Library of Con^rreas 
Iwt COPtES RE(T!V€0 

NOV 23 1900 

/J Copyright entry 



SECOND COPY 

0«(iv6red to 

OROtR DIVISION 

DEC 26 1900 



i,^^ 

^^'W^ 

i?i^ 



Copyright, 1900 

BY 

AI,ICE lyEWIS RICHARDS 




PREFACE 



JN WRITING this little book of recitations it has 
been the aim of the author to help fill a long- 
felt want, namely : A work written especially for 
children, with recitations suitable for all occasions, 
that will please the children. 

Any little boy can find in this book ^^ a piece to 
speak ^^ from the time he learns to talk until the 
time shall arrive for him to lay away his building- 
blocks for the trades that come in after years. 

A. L. R. 

(V) 



Every reader of ** Winks'' should have ''Smiles. 
One book is not complete without the other. 



(VI) 



. . . DEDICATION . . . 

To MY son Lisle Clinton, 

Whose head is full of ^^ thinks ^^ 

About a ^* future president, ^^ 

I dedicate this book of ^^ Winks. ^^ 

Many of these simple poems 

Were written just for you; 
And it seemed to give you pleasure 

When you've told « What Ma Kin Do.^> 

When youVe grown to be a man, Lisle, 
And this little book- you hold, 

You will think with sweet remembrance 
Of the ^^speakin' days^^ of old. 

Should you in your great ambition 

Reach the heighth that you would gain, 

The prayer of those who love you is, 
You'll be an honor to the name. 

(VII) 



Little hoys luith heads that think. 
Little boys with eyes that wink, 
When you through these pages look, 
I hope you II all enjoy yow book. 



(VIII) 



CONTENTS 

PAGE 

Lisle's Dream - - - - - - - - -ii 

What Robin Said -------- 15 

Rob's Temptation - 18 

All Happy in Spring - - 20 

When Grandpa Was Little 22 

Guy's Ideal - - - 25 

The New Sister - - - - ^ - - _ - 27 

Johnny's Choice ----...-_ 29 

One Easter Day - - - - - - - - 31 

Our Aunt Lucy -----___ 34 

Wilford's Piece - - - - - - - - - 37 

Bennie's Penny -----.__ 38 

Sis's Beau ---------40 

An Awful Boy --_--_-_ ^3 

A Boasting Pair _----.-_ 45 

Mama's Dear Lap ------ ^ - 48 

Two Little Boys -------- 50 

A Helping Hand -------- 51 

Patsy's and Tom's Thanksgiving ----- 53 

Us Boys ---------- 56 

When I Was a Girl ------- 59 

Roger's Wish -------- 61 

Good-Night ---------- 63 

Some Stylish «Cumpny^^ ------ 64 

The First Robin _ - - 67 

The Man in the Dark ------ 69 

Frogie on the Log - - 72 

When Work and I Fell Out , - _ . 73 

(9) 



CONTENTS 

PAGE 

Bill an' Me - - - - - - - - - 75 

He and She --------- yg 

Clifford's Way - 80 

Thankful Children -----__ g^ 

How Pussy Was Left ------- g5 

What Ma Kin Do -------- 37 

The Two Friends --------go 

A Day without a Sermon ---___ ^^ 

When a Feller's a Boy - - - - - - - 95 

Two Goslings .---____ gg 

When Ma Begins to Clean ------ 99 

Boy and Bee --------- 102 

Harley's Trip to Dreamland ------ 104 

BiLLIE - - - - - - - _ . JQ^, 

George's Letter --------- 108 

Forgetful Tommie - - - - - - - m 

Us Two - - - - - - - - - - 114 

A Naughty Hornet ------- 116 

Clemont's Day Dream - - - - - - - 118 

Johnny's Sisters -------- 121 

Little Brother, Little Sister - - - - - 124 

Will's Dollar Bill - - 125 

The Different Kind er Boy - - - - - - 128 

Pa's Mem'ry ------.__ j^q 

The Tree Toad on the Limb 132 

It Wasn't Me -------- j^^ 

If ------ - 135 

George's Example - - - - - - - - 13; 

David's Soliloquy -------- 13^ 

Martin's Reward - - - - - - * - - 142 

When I'm Growed Up Big - - - - - - 145 

Changes ---------- 146 

July ------ 148 

August .-------.. 14^ 

September - - - - - 150 

October 151 

November - - - - - - - - - - 152 

December - 153 

(10) 



LISLE'S DREAM 

As I lay in my bed, 

I was thinking one night, 
And watching the moon. 

As she shed her pale light; 
I was thinking of Santa, 

As a little boy will, 
And wondering how he found 

All the stockings to fill. 

I was wondering too, 

In a little boy's way. 
Where he got all the things 

For the little boys' play. 
Then my eyes got heavy 

And I let the lids drop, 
And soon found myself 

In old Santa Claus' shop. 

— II — 



WINKS 

'Twas the funniest shop 

That I ever have seen, 
For they made every toy 

On a differ'nt machine. 
There were brownies for workmen 

But old Santa was boss, 
And the brownies all liked him, 

'Cause he never got cross. 

Then he showed me all round. 

For he wasn't afraid 
That I'd steal a new patent 

Or learn a new trade. 
There was everything there 

For in war or in peace, 
From the battle ship Maine, 

To a flock of tin geese. 

There were horses and mules, 

And engines and cars, 
And cannons and soldiers, 

For the little boys' wars. 
There were bayonets and swords. 

And pistols and guns. 
And the brownies were hustling 

To get them all done. 

12 — - 



WINKS 

They were filing and sawing, 

And chizzling with care; 
For they all took an interest 

In what they did there. 
They were boring and drilling 

On presses and lathes, 
And painting and striping 

In a great many ways. 

In another big room, 

Where the dollies were dressed, 
Was where the girl brownies 

Were doing their best. 
They were measuring and cntting. 

And fitting the waists; 
And basting and seaming, 

In the greatest of haste. 

They were brushing and curling 

The dollies' fine locks, 
And getting them ready 

For the baby girls' socks. 
They were chatting and laughing 

In the merriest of glee. 
And were making queer faces 

At old Santa or me. 

— 13 — 



WINKS 

As I stood there watching 

Them working away, 
They would giggle and laugh 

At all that Fd say. 
Soon the moon came out 

And dropped down a beam; 
Then I threw them a kiss, 

And awoke from my dream. 




.r^^^f^ 



14 — 



WINKS 



WHAT ROBIN SAID 

A ROBIN sat upon a limb 

Within a cherry-tree; 
I sat the while a-watching him, 

And he sat watching me. 

I said to him, ^^ Old bird, look here; 

I think it isn't fair 
For you to come here every year 

And eat the largest share. 

^^ The cherries on this pretty tree 
Are all so nice and sweet, 

And all for brother Jack and me, 
And not for you to eat. ^^ 

Then robin winked his little eyes. 
And shook his knowing head. 

And for a bird looked very wise, 
And this is what he said: 



WINKS 

^^ Now, little boy, you're selfish quite, 

To say they're all for you. 
Please stop and think! Would it be right 

For me to say that too ? 

^^ The cherries on this pretty tree. 
Which you claim as your own. 

Were grown for little birds like me, 
And not for boys alone. 

^^ I only wish to have my share. 

And would not greedy be, 
And so I only take what's fair 

For one wee bird like me. 

^^ I would not throw those cruel sticks 
Which boys like you think right, 

Nor would I any scarecrow fix 
To kill you off with fright. 

^^ I would not fire a cruel gun 
To tear your limbs with lead, 

Nor would I shoot it ^ just for fun ^ 
And pierce you through the head. 

— i6 — 



WINKS 

^^ But willingly with you I'd share 
The cherries nice and sweet, 

And think it only just and fair, 
That you should live and eat.^^ 

Then robin sang a little song, 
And flew away from sight, 

My conscience told me I was wrong 
And said that he was right. 

And ever since I treat them kind 
And share my cherries too. 

For little birds belong to God 
The same as children do. 




— 17 — 



WINKS 



ROB'S TEMPTATION 

When Rob was left all by himself, 
A pie was on the pantry shelf. 

He eyed it with a hungry smile, 

Then hung his head and thought awhile. 

^^ Now, mama's gone to spend the day, 
I'll eat that pie while she's away. 

^^ I don't believe that she will care, 
If once I eat more than my share. ^^ 

He felt, he knew it would be wrong, 
To eat that pie while she was gone. 

But yet it was a tempting sight! 
And not to have an extra bite 

Was more than Rob could stand, he thought; 
So from the shelf the pie he brought. 

— i8 — 



WINKS 

He cut that pumpkin pie clear through, 
And then he cut the halves in two. 

He ate a piece, and then another; 
And then appeared his absent mother. 

The story now is finished quick: 
Without a shoe or whipping stick 

She made him eat and eat of pies, 
Until the tears streamed from his eyes. 

Now, when he's left all by himself, 
No pie can tempt him on the shelf; 

For in the night and in the day, 
Poor punished Rob will often say: 

^^ Oh, take away the ^ punkin ^ stuff ! 
I've had enough, I've had enough !^^ 



— 19 — 



WINKS 



ALL HAPPY IN SPRING 

^^ Cold winter is over,^^ 

The rose bug said; 
So he stretched himself 

And crawled from his bed. 

^^ The springtime has come, ^^ 

Said butterfly gay; 
So he opened his wings 

And flew far away. 

^^The sun is a-shining, 

And the frost is all gone ^^ ; 
So chirped the old cricket 

As he struck up his song. 

The fly in the orchard 

Was warmed by the breeze, 
So crawled from the bark 

To fly in the trees. 

— 20 — 



WINKS 

The ant in her nest 

Felt the sunshine warm, 

So came from her hill 
To work on her farm. 

The worm in the earth 

Knew springtime had come, 
So crawled from the ground 

To bask in the sun 

^^The clover's in bloom, ^^ 
The honeybee thought; 

So flew from his hive 
And honey he sought. 

The worm in the earth, 

The fly in the tree, 
The ant in her nest. 

The good honeybee; 

The chirping old cricket, 
The bug on the wing, 

And gay butterfly, 

Are all happy in spring. 

2 1 — 



WINKS 



WHEN GRANDPA WAS LITTLE 

When my grandpa was little 
He was a cute little chap, 

And would cry to sit 

On his grandmother's lap. 

And tease her to feed him 
The old-fashioned ^^ pap ^^ 

Which made him grow big. 

But when he got older 
He made lots of noise; 

He could wrestle and fight 
Like the rest of the boys; 

And he played with the queerest 
Of old-fashioned toys 

That he made out of wood. 

22 — 



WINKS 

And my grandpa wore curls; 

Now just think of that! 
And a roundabout coat, 

With a homespun cravat, 
And a pair of knee trousers, 

And a Scotch sailor hat, 
Or a home- knitted hood. 

But don't it seem queer 

How the folks called him "^ Bub '' ? 
How he and his sister 

Made pies in the mud. 
And how they could sail 

Their ships in a tub, 
And play 'twas a sea ? 

And grandpa could whistle 

Or sing a nice song; 
Or learn to recite a piece 

That was long; 
Or spell down his class 

On a word they spelled wrong, 
When he was little. 



— 23 — 



WINKS 

Oh, I wish I had lived 

When my grandpa was small! 
We'd of had some great times 

At playing baseball, 
And husking the corn in 

The fields in the fall. 
And rolling the pumpkins. 

Or I wish he was little again 

Like me; 
And we'd have lots of fun 

Playing the yard was a sea, 
And fish from the roof with 

A limb of a tree, 
With a pin for a hook. 

I wish he'd been my brother 
Instead of young Joe, 

We never would have fought 
And struck a mad blow, 

For grandpa is the very best 
Fellow I know, 

And I wish he was little again. 



24 — 



WINKS 



GUY'S IDEAL 

I LIKE to see a pretty girl, 

With charming, winsome face; 

The one who has the wavy hair. 
And form of natural grace. 

I like to see her go to school, 
And like to hear her play; 

But much, I fear, of precious time. 
By girls is thrown away. 

I much admire the little maid, 
Who takes the broom to sweep; 

And helps her mama, as she should. 
To keep the kitchen neat. 

I like the girl who makes her dress, 
The one who makes her bed; 

I like the one who knows just how 
To make her mother's bread. 

— 25 — 



WINKS 

I like the girl who makes the pies, 
And makes the berry jam; 

And knows just how to fry the eggs, 
That go so nice with ham. 

And so my views you see are plain. 
And when I'm older grown, 

I really think — perhaps, some time 
I'll take one for my own. 

But she must know just how to work. 

As well as how to play; 
And she must sew^ my buttons on. 

So as to make them stay. 

She must not speak of mother dear, 

Regardless of respect; 
She must not waste my precious cash, 

Nor my advice reject. 

So she must be the model girl, 

The one that I will take. 
One of the good old-fashioned kind, 

Who can sing or sew or bake. 

— 26 — 



WINKS 



THE NEW SISTER 

Fs GOT a baby siser, 

What corned th' other day, 
Her ain't nigh bid er nuff t' eat, 

Ner bid er nuff t' play. 
Her's dest as weeny, teeny. 

An ain't no longer 'n 'at. 
Her ain't no purty bonnet, 

Ner any kind o' hat. 

Her's dest wapped up 'n flannel, 

An' layin' in th' bed 
Along aside o' mama — 

Can't even see her head. 
I dess we'll call her Johnny, 

'Cause 'ats th' nicest name — 
'At's what they calls my papa, 

An' nen they'll be th' same. 

— 27 — 



WINKS 

But my name's Billie William, 

An' 'at's th' nicest one; 
An' pa he named it to me, 

'Cause I's his only son. 
I'm bigger 'n our baby, 

'Cause drandma told me so; 
An' her's seen lots o' babies, 
An' I dess her ought'r know. 

I's glad her is a sis er, 

An' not a boy like me; 
Nen her won't want my trinkets, 

'Cause her'll want dolls, you see. 
Poor 'ittle baby sis er ! 

I's wonder what her'll say, 
When her's bid er nuff t' eat, 

An' bid er nuff t' play. 




28 



WINKS 



JOHNNY'S CHOICE 

I*D RUTHER be a little boy, 

An' have a bat an' ball, 
Than be a girl with hair in curl^ 

An' have a lovely doll. 

I'd ruther be a little boy, 

'Cause they are sweeter far, 

Than all the girls with pretty curls, 
No matter who they are. 

For little boys is always good, 
An' always do their share; 

But girls will shirk the hardest work 
An' that is never fair. 

An' little girls is naughty too, 
An' naughty things they'll say; 

They hide our hats an' break our bats, 
An' bother when we play. 

— 29 — 



WINKS 

An' they are all cry babies too, 

An' 'fraid of little mice; 
An' fighting bats an' hungry rats, 

What little boys think nice. 

They're always telling naughty tales, 

About us little boys; 
An' then they'll say we're rough in play 

An' make a drea'ful noise. 

But, we'd ruther all be little boys, 

An' make the noise of ten, 
Than all be girls with pretty curls, 

For they don't grow to men. 




— 30 — 



WINKS 



ONE EASTER DAY 

One bleak and blustering winter day, 
Old Speckle hid herself away. 

She found a place beneath the barn, 
That seemed to her all free from harm; 

And there her little nest she made, 
And day by day her eggs she laid, 

Until they numbered twelve and one, 
And then her laying days were done. 

She looked with pride upon her nest, 
Then settled down to take a rest. 

There lived some boys upon the farm. 
Who never meant old Speckle harm. 

But when they found that cozy nest. 
Old Speckle's eggs went with the rest; 

— 31 — 



WINKS 

But far much better 't would have been 
To left alone that sitting hen. 

But these two boys had planned a way, 
Of feasting high on Easter day. 

They boiled those eggs till nicely done, 
Then colored every single one; 

And Oh! they were a pretty sight, 
In many shades of colors bright. 

They then prepared a menu fine, 

And asked their chums to come and dine. 

But poor old Speckle! Easter morn 
Found her hopes all wrecked and torn; 

Nor would she ever, ever guessed 
Those Easter eggs were from her nest. 

But such a feast those robbers spread, 
Of colored eggs and buttered bread. 

The guests all seemed in eager haste, 
Those showy Easter eggs to taste; 



WINKS 

They could not wait, e'en had they tried, 
But broke the shells and peeped inside. 

And what they saw is quickly told — 
'Twas only chicks not very old. 

Then quickly changed the bill of fare 
And mine poor hosts were in despair. 

Each guest departed from that spread. 
To seek his restful little bed; 

And all agreed 't would better been. 
To left alone that sitting hen. 

So now in made or stolen nests, 
Old Speckle sits in peaceful rest; 

And often since those boys will say. 
They'll ne'er forget that Easter day. 



11 



WINKS 



OUR AUNT LUCY 

Our Aunt Lticy, she lives 'ith us, 
En she looks after wees children. 

To see what wees does. 
En what she says wees has to mind. 
She's Grosser 'n anything some days; 
En she don't like childern's ways — 

Aunt Lucy don't. 

She says childerns all 'like; 

En she didn't act so when she's little, 

Ner nobody else them days. 
She says childerns nicknamey, 
En pert en sassy these days; 
En rough en tomboyish in ther ways- 

Aunt Lucy does. 



— 34 — 



WINKS 

She wears goggles, en looks over 'em 
At wees childern; but she kin see 

With her own eyes, 
When wees childern make faces at her. 
En somehow she most alus knows 
Where all her snuff en boxes goes — 

Aunt Lucy does. 

She says childern aint brot up right, 
En orter be brot up differ'nt — 

Like they used to be. 
She says girls orter work more, 
En know how to weave en spin, 
En how to cook, en milk, en skim — 

Aunt Lucy does. 

Oh, my! she's homelier 'n a broom! 
En Sue says she's all out o' fashion, 

En away back. 
En she says Sue ain't no 'count! 
Ner Sue can't cook nuthin good. 
But when she's young she could — 

Aunt Lucy could. 



---35 



WINKS 

My aunt says when Sue marries 
Her man won't 'mount to much, 

'Cause men don't anyhow! 
She says nobody wants a girl 
'Less she kin keep house neat, 
En keep her temper nice en sweet, 

Like Aunt Lucy can. 

But she never got married, 
'Cause she never liked nobody 

As well as herself. 
Sue said she never had a chance; 
En she said her chances were many 
But she never would 'cept of any — 

Aunt Lucy wouldn't. 




-2,6- 



WINKS 



WILFORD'S PIECE 

Tm but a little lad, you know, 
And haven't much to say; 

But thought I'd try to speak a piece, 
Because it's Children's Day. 

There's lots and lots of bigger folks 
That ain't as brave as me; 

They'd be afraid to come up here 
Where all of you could see. 

But no one's going to frighten me 
Because I'm young and small, 

I'm going to speak my little piece 
And try to beat you all. 




— 37 — 



WINKS 



BENNIE'S PENNY 

Once a shining penny- 
Was picked up on the street, 

By little blue-eyed Bennie, 
Who found it at his feet. 

Oh! thought little Bennie, 
Some candy I will buy 

With this shining penny, 
And eat it on the sly. 

Quick ran little Bennie 

In a baker's shop, 
And with his shining penny 

He bought a candy drop. 

When home went little Bennie 
From the baker's shop, 

He wished he had his penny 
Instead of that sweet drop. 

— 38- 



WINKS 

Sad was little Benny 

Because he had done so; 

He'd spent his shining penny, 
With nothing now to show. 

Thus thought little Bennie: 

^^When I find upon the street 

Another shining penny, 

That penny I will keep.*^ 




39 — 



WINKS 



SIS'S BEAU 

I've got an older sister 

Who's got a stylish beau, 
An' every time he's coming 

We're always sure to know. 
She curls her frizzly frizzles 

And makes her head a fright, 
Then stands before the looking-glass 

To view the homely sight. 

I guess she thinks she's purty! 

She smiles so sweetly sweet, 
An' that new fellow he smiles too. 

When at the door they meet. 
They set up in the parlor nights 

An' turn the lights down low. 
An' then they talks — 'bout nuthin — 

My sister an' her beau. 

— 40 — 



IV/jVKS 

I listened t'other evening 

To hear what they might say, 
An' thought they both was dreamin' 

In a kind o' crazy way. 
I'd like to tell my mother 

Jest all the things I heard; 
But then they'd know I listened, 

So I won't say a word. 

She's kind o' lost her memory 

Since this new feller come, 
An' goes around a-smilin' 

An' chewin' wads o' gum. 
She acts like she was dreamin* 

In day as well as night, 
'Cause all the time she's thinkin' 

An' don't do nuthin right. 

She burns the pies to cinders, 

An' burns the breakfast toast; 
She peppers up the custard, 

An' sugars up the roast. 
She puts things in the butt'ry 

That don't belong in there, 
An' hangs her Sunday dresses 

Upon a parlor chair. 

— 41 — 



WINKS 

An* when she has these mixm' spells 

An' puts things out o' place, 
An* aunt jest calls her back to earth, 

You orter see her face. 
It's redder *n any roses 

That's here er up above, 
An* then I kind o' pities her, 

Because the girl's in love 

It's alus after Sunday 

When she cuts up this way, 
I s'pose she's just a-thinkin* 

Of some bright future day; 
But aunt, who's livin' with us. 

An' what she says is so — 
That girls don't 'mount to nuthin 

When ther minds is on a beau. 




— 42 



WINKS 



AN AWFUL BOY 

There was a little laddie once, 
Who an awful habit had, 

Of finding fault and saying words 
Which sounded very bad. 

No difference if the rain would fall, 
Or if the sun would shine, 

Wherever this poor boy would go 
He had an awful time. 

He did not like to go to school. 

And so he'd run away. 
And miss his lessons oftentimes 

Because he'd rather play. 

He never cared much how he looked, 
Or what he had to wear; 

And 'twas an ^^ awful chore ^^ he said, 
To comb and brush his hair. 

— 43 — 



WINKS 

He said the pupils always stared 

In such a ^^ goppy ^^ way, 
It made him wish he never had 

To ^^ speak ^^ on any day. 

His teacher was so ^^ awful cross, ^^ 

And very partial too, 
And blamed him for the naughty tricks 

That other boys would do. 

Poor little boy ! We fear his path 
Will not be smooth and straight. 

Unless he changes from his ways 
Before it is too late. 

For little boys should go to school, 
And love their teacher well, 

And never have a tardy mark, 
Nor tales on others tell. 



We must not look for others' faults. 
For we have many too^ 
And watching ours we'll always find 
We'll have enough to do. 

— 44 — 



WINKS 



A BOASTING PAIR 

A CARROT and turnip grew in the same ground, 
While the carrot grew long, the turnip grew 

round. 
And the carrot was proud of its far-reaching 

length, 
While the turnip was proud of its roundness and 

strength. 
So the carrot would boast in a carroty way 
Of its far-reaching roots and its leafy display. 

And the turnip would tell, in a turnipy style, 
Its circumference would equal a fourth of a mile. 
And the carrot would smile in a satisfied way, 
When it saw how much it had grown in a day. 
And the turnip could see without any eyes 
It was growing to be of a monstrous size. 

— 45 — 



WINKS 

Thus they lived and they boasted the whole sum- 

tner through, 
And the while they kept boasting they grew and 

they grew. 
Then the autumn came on with the great county 

fair; 
And the gardener then pulled this poor foolish pair. 
He put them in sight in the vegetable hall, 
Where they were both praised and noticed by all. 

They were both of fine shape and of very large 

size; 
And were labled alike with a card of first prize; 
Then he carried them home with a smile of delight, 
And into the cellar they were put out of sight. 
But there in the cellar, so dark and so cold. 
They kept up their boasting the same as of old. 

But the wife of the gardener had company one day, 
And the poor, foolish pair were put out of the way; 
For the deacon and pastor had come there to eat, 
And they wanted some soup, and they wanted some 

meat. 
So the turnip and carrot from the cellar were 

brought. 
And shared the same fate in a soup boiling-pot. 

— a6 — 



WINKS 

Thus the moral to this, if any yon see, 
Is: Don't flatter yourselves wherever you be; 
But watch for your faults and many you'll find; 
And boasting forever keep out of your mind. 




— 47 — 



WINKS 



MAMA'S DEAR LAP 

Oh, it's nice to grow big 
When a fellow is small, 

And it's nice to grow wise 
As a fellow grows tall. 

But when you've grown big 

There is something that's gone, 

That will never come back 
As the years rush along. 

It's the times in the days 

That have slipped out of sight, 

When mama would rock you 
And cuddle you tight. 

When she kissed all the ^ hurts ^^ 
On your hands or your head, 

When she sung you to sleep 
And tucked you in bed. 

-48- 



WINKS 

And when you're too big 

For your mama to hold, 
You'll wish in your heart 
That you wasn't so old. 

For there'll never be sleep 
Like the sweet little nap 

That you stole when a baby 
On your mama's dear lap. 

And there'll never be days 
In the fast-coming years, 

Like the days when mama 
Could kiss away tears. 

Oh, it's nice to grow wise, 
And it's nice to grow tall, 

But you miss all the hugs 
Of the boy who is small; 

And if I had my wish 

I would stay a wee chap. 

And always find rest 
On mama's dear lap. 

— 49 — 



WINKS 



TWO LITTLE BOYS 

Two little boys went out to play, 
Upon a stack of clover hay. 

Same little boys slid down the stack 
And gave their heads an awful whack. 

These little boys began to cry, 

And wished they hadn't climbed so high. 

Same little boys then tried it o'er, 

And whacked the heads they whacked before. 

These little boys were satisfied, 

And there they sat and cried and cried. 




50 — 



WINKS 



A HELPING HAND 

There's a way and you will find it, 

If you have a willing hand, 
That w^ill make the world seem brighter, 

As you journey through this land. 

While you sit in homes of pleasure. 
And you know not want nor care, 

Do you think that in a measure 

You may have more than your share ? 

Do you think of those who suffer 
From the cold and hunger too ? 

Do you know that there is something, — 
Some kind act that you might do ? 

Do not wait for some one greater, 
Who has done kind deeds before; 

Do not think 'tis all his duty, 

And for you there's nothing more. 

— 51 — 



WINKS 

Do not wait for some one richer 
To perform a generous deed; 

Do not think youVe natight to give them, 
When you see some one in need. 

But be ever ready, willing, 

Help to make the sad hearts light; 
Though not blessed with greatest riches. 

You can give your little mite. 

Give it then to help the needy, 
'Tis a work that's noble, grand; 

And to you will come the blessing 
For having lent a helping hand. 




52 — 



WINKS 



PATSY'S AND TOM'S THANKSGIVING 

Little Patsy and Tom 

Had not lived very long 
Before they could run out to play; 

So their mama was glad, 

When they acted so bad, 
To have them get out of her way. 

They were pretty and wise. 

With very bright eyes. 
And faces so smiling and sweet; 

And with jackets alike, 

That were dotted with white, 
They looked so cunning and neat. 

With their caps of light brown, 

That were trimmed in fine down, 
They were dressed for wet or dry weather; 

And they loved one another 

Like a sister and brother, 
So they always were seen together. 

— 53 — 



WINKS 

They dwelt near a barn 

That was built on a farm, 
And never had been to town; 

But they wandered away 

At the break of the day. 
All over the farm, up and down. 

They would drink from the rill 

At the foot of the hill, 
And roam through the winding lane; 

They would scamper about 

All the time they were out, 
And never knew care or pain. 

They could run in a race 

At a very swift pace, 
But they never seemed tired at all; 

It was wonderful too, 

How this fine pair grew, 
And how large they w^ere in the fall. 

And they grew plump and fat, 

And the farmer saw that. 
And said: ^^ They show their good livin'; 

So I'll take them to town. 

Just to show them around. 
The day before 'tis Thanksgiving.^^ 

— 54 — 



WINKS 

So he then did his best 

To get them both dressed 
In a way that was quite up to date; 

Then he took them to town, 

To show them around, 
And there — he sold them by weight. 

Poor Patsy and Tom 

Did not live very long 
To enjoy the pleasures of living; 

For they got roasted brown 

By some people in town; 
And that was the turkeys' Thanksgiving. 




— 55 



WINKS 



US BOYS 

Oh, it's the boys who did that! 

And the boys who did this! 
If there's trouble about, 

Or a thing's gone amiss. 

If there's a quarrel in the house 
O'er a riddle or game, 

Why the boys, to be sure. 
Are always to blame. 

When an old can is tied 
To a cat, with a string. 

Why no one but a boy 
Would do such a thing. 

If the bird's nest is robbed 
Of the pretty blue eggs, 

They are sure to go off 
On a boy's pair of legs. 

-56- 



WINKS 

When a fly's lost a wing, 
Or a hop-toad is dead, 

It was some wicked boy 

With a thought in his head. 

If the last piece of pie 

Has gone out of sight, — 

There's a boy in the house 
With a boy's appetite. 

So it's always us boys 
Who do every deed; 

And it's always us boys 

Who the punishment need. 

And the sisters so kind 
And so watchful o'er us, 

Oh, they never do wrong. 
Or begin any fuss. 

No! it's us little boys, 

So quiet and good, 
Who bring all the coal 

And split all the wood. 

— 57 — 



WINKS 

We must take all the blame 
For all of these tricks, 

And feel all the smarts 

From the slippers and sticks. 

And we don't think it right, 

Nor consider it fair 
For the girls to go free. 

And us boys get their share. 




-58 



WINKS 



WHEN I WAS A GIRL 

When I was a girl 

I used to wear 
Bows of ribbon 

Tied on my hair. 
And little white gowns 

All tucked and neat, 
That reached most down 
To cover my feet. 
And a nice white bib 

Tucked under my chin, 
That was fastened on 
With a darling pin. 
And a sweet little cloak 

And bonnet of white, 
That made me look 
Like a fairy sprite. 
And soft little mitts 

So nice and warm. 
That grandma knitted 
From sky-blue yarn. 

— 59 — 



WINKS 

When I was a girl 

I used to play 
With little girl toys 
Most all the day. 
And my dolls and kittens 
All used to mind, 
For they all belonged 
To the calico kind. 
And I used to climb 

Up the kitchen stair 
To see what grandma 
Had hid away there. 
And I used to tumble 

And bump my head, 
Till I saw the stars, 

And I thought I was dead. 
Then grandma would say: 
^^ Oh, you are a joy. 
But you never will live 
To grow up a boy.^^ 






— 60 



WINKS 



ROGER'S WISH 

I WISH a little boy like me, 
Could have a pair of wings, 

En fly 'way off to Santa's town 
To see him make his things. 

rd sit upon a steeple top, 
Then Santa 'd never know 

There was a little boy like me 
A- watching him below. 

rd hide behind the steeple top 

So Santa couldn't see; 
En even if I made a noise, 

He'd never think 'twas me. 

'Cause Santa knows I'm awful good 
When Christmas comes around; 

En knows a gooder boy than me 
Can't anywhere be found. 

— 6i — 



WINKS 

He knows I never tells no fibs, 
Ner whacks the kitty's nose, 

Ner ever pulls her fuzzy tail, 
Ner steps upon her toes. 

He knows a little boy like me, 

Can't ever find him out; 
But if I had a pair of wings, 

I'd see what he's about. 

I'd see him harness up his deer 

En load his funny sleigh, 
En keep as quiet as I could 

Until he'd start away. 

Then down I'd come from steeple top 

As fast as I could glide. 
En watch a chance to hop his sleigh, 

En steal a Christmas ride. 




— 62 



WINKS 



GOOD-NIGHT 

Good-night, dear friends, 

For now we close. 
And may your rest 

Be sweet repose. 
You've listened well. 

And listened long, 
To every speech 

And every song. 

Now may the stars 

And moon shine bright 
To shed o'er you 

A peaceful light 
And guide you home. 

Good-night, good-night. 



-^.^3^^^^^ 




63 



WINKS 



SOME STYLISH «CUMPNY» 

When our mother 's ast some cumpny 

To come an' stay ter tea, 
And the cumpny says ther comin' 

Then I wist I wasn't me; 
Fer she'll sweep an' dust the parlor 

Till the dust is routed out, 
Then she'll move the chairs an' sofa, 

So's ter change 'em all about. 
On the whatnot in the corner 

She'll set things in a row; 
Then she'll change the tidy ribbon, 

So's the newest part '11 show; 

On the spot what's on the carpet 
She'll cover with a mat, — • 

One of sis's newest patterns. 

Where she wove a dog er cat. 

Then she's goin to cook some extras, 
So we're sure ter hear her say; 

-64- 



WINKS 

An' she'll kill the fattest pullet 
What has just begun ter lay. 

Then the table 's set in china 

With the shined-up silver ware; 

An' our sis puts on the napkins, 
Jest because the cumpny 's there. 

Then afore the cumpny 's comin', 

There's a lecture course fer me, 
An' I'm teached the finest actin' 

Of any kid y' ever see. 
Oh ! I mustn't ast fer chicken, 

Ner another piece er pie; 
Ner I mustn't grab fer sugar. 

When the bowl is passin' by. 

Ner I mustn't tell nobody 

What our mother said ter dad, 
'Bout him drinkin' from his saucer 

An' his manners bein' bad; 
Nope! 1 mustn't talk of nuthin! 

But jest sit still an' mind. 
While our mother an' my sister 

Talk the cumpny deaf an' blind. 

5 -65- 



WINKS 

Oh, it's awful interestin' £er 

Old daddy-boy an' me 
To have some stylish cumpny 

Come an' stay ter tea. 
An' we're sposed ter set an' listen 

'Bout the fashions in New York, 
While old daddy-boy 's in mis'ry 

A-eatin' with his fork. 
But we've got to keep our silence 

An' to mind our manners too. 
So we raust set to the table 

Till the rest of 'em are through. 

Oh, I ain't no boy fer cumpny, 

An' I wist they'd stay away, 
Er give me my share of victuals 

An' send me out ter play. 
Ner there ain't no fun in manners 

Fer old daddy-boy an' me; 
Ner there ain't no fun in havin' 

Some stylish folks ter tea. 



^»f 



66 — 



WINKS 



THE FIRST ROBIN 

I HAVE heard a robin singing 

In a leafless apple-tree, 
And his notes of merry ^^ cheer-up ^^ 

Was a welcome song to me. 

He was singing midst the branches 
In a voice so loud and clear, 

That it really seemed to me 
The lovely spring was here. 

But I fear this little songster 

Has come back a month too soon, 

For the sun shone on the ground hog 
And a mist was o'er the moon. 

He'll regret he left so early 

Where the zephyr breezes blow; 

He'll be drenched in sleet and slush, 
And be frozen in the snow. 

-67- 



WINKS 

Could I whisper to this songster, 
My advice to him would be: 

Just to wait a little longer 

Till from snow and ice we're free. 

And I'd tell him, oh, so kindly! 

That the first worm hadn't come, 
And the sparrows were so hungry 

They had eaten every crumb. 




68 



WINKS 



THE MAN IN THE DARK 

There's a man in the dark, so the big folks say, 
An' he keeps out o' sight of the children in day, 
But watches 'em all in their actin* at play; 
An' I guess it's so! 

An' his eyes are as big as the owl's at night, 
An' he sees all the girls an' boys who fight, 
An' he's just a-waitin' to grab 'em tight; 
An' hold 'em so. 

His nose is Roman an' reaches his chin, 
His fingers are long an' scratch like a pin, 
An' his legs are weakly an' wobbly an' thin. 
An' his back crooks over. 

Ef youVe played any games an' you didn't play fair, 
Ef youVe took more counts than your own honest 

share, — 
Why, the man in the dark will be sure to be there, 
An' watch you. 

-69-^ 



WINKS 

Ef a boy's been wicked er a girl's been bad, 
E£ they've told a fib to ther mother er dad, 
Ef they've et more cake than they orter of had, 
Why jest look out! 

Ef a boy gits mad an' he speaks his swears, 
Ef he goes off to bed, an' his bed's upstairs; 
An' he gits inter bed an' he don't say his prayers; 
He'll be sorry! 

Fer the man in the dark gits under the bed, 
An' the girl or the boy jest covers ther head, 
An' they'll wish ther prayers had all ben said ; 
When it's too late. 

An' they jest quit breathin' fer a minit er two, 
An' the man in the dark knows what to do: 
So he crawls right out like me er you. 
From under the bed. 

Then he jumps right up an' so he stands. 
With his eyes stickin' out an' a-pointin' his hands, 
An' his wrists a-jinglin' some snaky-like bands 
Right at you. 

— 70 — 



WINKS 

Then the boy in the bed can see through the 

clothes; 
An' he draws up his knees till they touch his nose; 
An' his heart sinks down till it beats in his toes, 
An' then stops. 

Then he wishes he hadn't been bad that day, 
An' his unsaid prayers he'll hurry to say; 
Then the man in the dark jest slinks away 
To ketch some other boy er girl. 




— 71 



WINKS 



FROGIE ON THE LOG 

There was a little frogie 

That hopped out in the spring; 
He sat upon a hollow log 

And then he tried to sing. 

But his voice was very husky 
And he couldn't sing a note, 

For the frogie on the log 
Had a frogie in his throat. 




— 72 



WINKS 



WHEN WORK AND ME FELL OUT 

Now, Work and me could ne'er agree, 
And so we quarreled one day; 

I said to Work, ^^ I'm going to shirk, ^^ 
And so I ran away. 

For in my mind I thought I'd find 

A place for lazy boys, 
Where life was ease, with none to tease 

Or mar their precious joys. 

Where life was fun till set of sun. 
And night was happy dreams; 

Where boys who fished caught all they 
wished 
In water-lily streams. 

I ran away and thought I'd stay 
Where work was yet unknown; 

Where every boy had every toy 
That he could call his own. 

— 73 — 



WINKS 

But no such spot where Work was not 

I found in any place; 
For Work was there, and everywhere 

He stared me in the face. 

Where'er I went old Work seemed bent 

To win the running race; 
From morn till night he kept in sight 

With steady, watchful pace. 

I'd turn away in sore dismay 

To find a spot more blest ; 
But sad for me there seemed to be 

No place where boys could rest. 

And soon I turned, for home I yearned. 
To try my luck once more; 

But Work, I found, was hanging round 
Just as he had before. 

He said to me : ^^ We must agree 
And you no longer shirk ! ^^ 

And then I thought I'd better not, 
So I buckled into work. 

— 74 — 



WINKS 



BILL AN' ME 

One day Bill an' me both got a cent 
An' purty soon they both was spent. 

We bought some suckers, big an' wide, 
That fitted well our mouths inside. 

We sot beneath a bloomin' tree, 
An' swigged away, did Bill an* me. 

I said: « It's good. >> Bill said: « It's slick, 
This all-day sucker on a stick. ^^ 

A bee flew by an' smelt the sweet. 
An' looked as if he'd like a treat. 

Then down he came so swift an' quick. 
An' lit upon Bill's sucker's stick. 

Then Bill was mad; an' said: ^^ 'Twas gall 
Fer that air bee ter git it all.^^ 

— 75 — 



WINKS 

But that air bee, he liked the stuff, 
An' so he stayed to git enough. 

Then Bill, he up an' hit the thing. 
An' that air bee begun ter sting. 

He lit upon Bill's freckled nose, 
An' made it blossom like a rose. 

An' then he lit upon his cheek, 

An' swelled it up for more'n a week. 

Then Bill got sick an' went to bed, 
An' nigh got crazy in his head. 

He raved of bugs an* snakes an' things. 
With pizen bites an' pizen stings; 

An' raved of flowers on bloomin' trees, 
An' said they harbored stingey bees. 

Then talked of suckers on ther sticks, 
An' said that bee had played him tricks. 

Then I was sorry for poor Bill, 
An' cried because he was so ill. 

-76- 



WINKS 

Soon Bill got better much one day, 
So him an* me went out to play. 

Bill says to me, he says, says he, 

^^ Let's not go near that bloomin' tree! 

^^ An' when we gits some other cents. 
We'll keep 'em till we're grown-up gents; 

^^An' never buy another stick 
With candy that a bee can lick. ^^ 




77 



WINKS 



HE AND SHE 

He was a lad with dimpled chin, 

She was a lassie fair; 
They to the cupboard went peeping in 

To see what mama had there. 

Brother and sister were the two, 

Loving each other well; 
Sharing alike as lovers do, 

What to each other befell. 

There in the cupboard in silent rows, 
Jellies and jams they spied; 

Stretching and peeping on tipsy toes, 
^^ See goodies !^^ the mischiefs cried. 

^^ Taste of 'em all,^^ the laddie said; 

Lassie gave her consent; 
Knowing no fear, knowing no dread, 

Into the work they went. 

-78- 



WINKS 

Tossing the covers a-near and far, 
Fingers with dimples went in; 

Lips were smacking o'er glass and jar, 
Smearing the cheeks and chin. 

Jellies and jams in silent rows. 
Stood well the trying test; 

Which is which ? now no one knows, 
But tJiey know which is best. 

Laughing and dancing in wildest glee- 
Boy with dimple, girl so fair, 

Mama comes peeping in to see 
What befell the happy pair. 

Faces are red as jelly now, 

But soon they pale with fright, 

For mama looks with clouded brow 
Upon the dreadful sight. 

He — the laddie with dimpled chin. 

She — the lassie fair, 
Hurried to* bed and snugly in 

Were tucked the guilty pair. 

— 79 — 



WINKS 



CLIFFORD'S WAY 

When Christmas dawned one plenteous year, 
The wind was bleak, the sky was drear; 
But round a fire that sparkled bright, 
Three children gathered in the light 
To view each gift of toy or game 
That to these happy children came. 

But Clifford, a lad of thoughtful mind, 
Could not so much of pleasure find; 
For there was little playmate Tim, 
And no one seemed to think of him; 
And Clifford wondered why it was 
That he was missed by Santa Claus. 

Now Santa Claus was good to some, 
And every time he chanced to come 
Their stockings filled unto the brim, 
Which Clifford thought was kind in him; 
But some, he knew, shared not so well, 
And why it was he couldn't tell. 

— 80 — 



WINKS 

And thus he viewed it in a light 
That Santa was not doing right; 
For children all, so Clifford thought, 
Should share alike the gifts he brought. 
But how to change this all about 
Was more than Clifford could think out. 

And busy were his thoughts that morn 
While spinning top and blowing horn. 
He played his games with usual zest: 
Then laid his plans before the rest. 
The gifts that Santa brought to him, 
He said he'd share with playmate Tim. 

And so the others did agree 
A real nice Santa he would be. 
Then each one gave a gift or two 
To help the kind old Santa through; 
They helped to fill his funny pack 
Until it bended o'er his back; 
But bravely trudged he with his pile 
And on his face there beamed a smile. 



— 8i — 



WINKS 

Without the deer, without the sleigh, 
To Tim's he slowly made his way; 
Nor by the chimney route could go, 
For fire was in the stove below, 
But was admitted at the door, 
Then dropped his pack upon the floor. 

And tears of joy sprang from his eyes, 
When Tim expressed his glad surprise. 
Now all those generous children say 
It was their happiest Christmas day; 
So who can tell which happier was, 
The real or fancied Santa Claus ? 




■^^m^= 



82— 



WINKS 



THANKFUL CHILDREN 

A GROUP of merry girls and boys 
Stood round their grandpa's knee; 

^^ What are you thankful for to-day, 
My girls and boys ? ^^ said he. 

Said Willie wise, with sparkling eyes, 
^^ My crisp new dollar bill 

That grandma gave, so I can save 
And soon my pockets fill.^^ 

Then little Bess, in muslin dress, 
Said, ^^ Ribbons fine and lace ; 

So I can wear them in my hair 
And beautify my face.^^ 

But little Ned, with hair so red. 
Cared not for only looks; 

But like a boy found all his joy 
In blocks, and balls, and books. 



WINKS 

And patient Sue, so kind and true, 

Was thankful every day, 
That she was fed with daily bread, 

And taught her prayers to say. 

But sweet-toothed Dick loved candy stick 

And taffy made in rings. 
And car'mel cakes and ^Hockjaw brakes, ^^ 

And other sugary things. 

^^ Because I'm well,^^ said darling Nell, 

^^ I'm thankful every day! 
For excellent health is best of wealth. 

For girls who like to play. ^^ 

But brown-eyed Lisle loved mama's smile. 

And liked her cookies best; 
And in her bed his sleepy head 

Could find the sweetest rest. 

Said blue-eyed Molly, ^^ For my dolly 

And for her trundle bed. 
My golden fishes, and my dishes 

From which my dolly's fed.^^ 

— 84 — 



WINKS 

But hungry Sam for grandma's jam 

Was truly thankful too, 
And turkey roast and buttered toast 

He liked, his grandpa knew. 

But fairest May, in her sweet way, 
Was glad for sweet Thanksgiving; 

For 'tis a day for all to pray, 
And thankful be for living. 

^^ I'm glad to hear, ^^ said grandpa dear, 
^^My merry girls and boys, 

That all of you are thankful too. 
For all these earthly joys.^^ 




-85- 



WINKS 



HOW PUSSY WAS LEFT 

I SAW my pussy run up a tree, 

And wondered what could the matter be 
I heard a chirping loud and shrill, 

And knew my pussy meant some ill. 

I saw a bird amongst the limbs, 

A-flapping his two spotted wings; 

And how he chirped in mortal fear, 
As pussy cat came creeping near! 

She fixed her paws right for a spring 

Upon the pretty little thing; 
But ere she jumped and caught her prey, 

The cunning bird had flown away. 

Then pussy cat up in the tree 

Just looked as sneaking as could be; 

And down she came, from prey bereft. 
For pussy cat was badly left. 



2>(> 



WINKS 



WHAT MA KIN DO 

Our ma, why she kin do most anything 

What any other ma kin do ; 

An' makes old things look jest like new. 

Why say, she makes my bestest Sunday pants 

Out of pa's old un's fer me. 

An' they're as slick as pants kin be. 

An' dye! well she jest boils up some stuff 

An' colors her old faded dress, 

An' makes it all new fer sister Bess. 

Nen sister Bess goes p'radin' round, 

Jest like some other girls I know 

What wears ther bestest clothes fer show. 

An' bake! well you never tasted nuthin like 
Them biscuits what's rotmd an' thin, 
An' them cookies what's got caraway in. 
When I goes in the kitchen bake days, 
An' kin sniff 'em in the pan — 
Nen's when I eats jest like a man. 

-87- 



WINKS 

An' pnddin's! the kind what taste so good; 

You eat and rest, an' eat an' rest, 

An' ne'er kin tell which one's the best. 

An' pies! jest any kind you wants, 

Made out of all the goodest stuff. 

That never lasts half long ernuff. 

An' scold! well ma kin do her part, 
'S well any other ma I guess; 
Fer I gits it, an' so do sister Bess. 
She scolds, an' scolds, an' nen she laffs; 
But we don't care, 'cause you see, 
We's both got used to it — Bess an' me. 

An' sing! If you could only hear her onct! 

It's sweeter 'n any singin' bird 

That me er you has ever heard. 

Her voice jest swells an' goes so high, 

Nen dies away so soft an' sweet. 

It makes yer feel like goin' ter sleep. 

But talk! well seems t' us 
Her tongue 's alw^ays goin' kerflop; 
An' no one knows whene'er she'll stop. 
She talks, an' talks, an' talks; an' pa — 
Well, pa don't have nuthin 't all ter say, 
But jest lets ma have all her way. 

— ^^ — 



WINKS 

An' she keeps things movin', 
House an' every thing goin'. 
When ma begins her blowin', 
Pa crawls off in the corner, 
An' me an' Bess runs out ter play, 
'Cause it's safer out o' ma's way. 

But, after all, she's the goodest ma 

That Bess and me e'er had, 

Ef she do git cross an' mad; 

An' pa jest worships her! 

An' even when she's cross, our pa — 

He says he's glad he married ma. 



^^^^^M^^^/i'^ 



-8,— 



WINKS 



THE TWO FRIENDS 

Two little friends went off to school, 

Each had a basket, slate, and rule. 

Friends so stanch and true were they, 
Planning their future that morn in May. 

Vowing that friends they'd always be, 
And never, no, never should disagree I 

Crossing their hearts in Indian style. 
Sealing their vows with a kiss and smile. 

One of them telling a story well 

That many another had chanced to tell. 

Telling a story that was ages old. 
Telling a story that mustn't be told. 

Mustn't be told to sister or brother, 
Mustn't be told to father or mother. 

— 90 — 



WINKS 

Studies alike the two friends had, 
Studies so hard for lass or lad. 

Teacher admired the pair so young, 
Wondering what ? in the years to come. 

Helping each other through tasks each day, 
Sticking together like chums at play. 

But what befell the friends so true ? 
Quarreled o'er nothing, as young friends do; 

Both declaring the other one bad, 
Both assuming to feel real mad. 

Month after month sped on its way, 
Bringing again the fairest May; 

Friends, though parted, still go to school, 
Each with a basket, slate, and rule. 

Telling no stories of ages past, 
Only a glance at the other is cast. 

Only a glance — but it told them more 
Than any story they'd told before. 

— 91 — 



WINKS 

Eyes of blue and eyes of brown 
Meet each other without a frown; 

Bringing a blush to dimpled cheek, 
Opening again their lips to speak. 

What of the friends that fairest May, 
That laid their plans for life's bright way ? 

Quarreled and parted as young friends do, 
Kissed and ^^made up^^ their friendship anew. 

Both declaring they weren't mad, 
Both assuming to feel real bad. 

And the ^^make up^^ ended as ^^make ups^^ do, 
When friends are friends so stanch and true. 

Year after year sped on its way, 
Bringing again a morn in May; 

Neither of them are going to school, 
With basket, slate, and measuring rule; 

But walking a way now side by side, 
He as a husband, she as a bride. 

— 92 — 



WINKS 



A DAY WITHOUT A SERMON 

It's a day without a sermon, 
So pastor must keep quiet; 

For 'tis our day to preach or pray, 
And no one can deny it. 

But we won't tire any one. 

With oft-repeated text; 
For we all know if time went slow, 
You big folks would be vexed. 

And then I'd fear you'd whisper, 
Or, maybe, move your feet, 

Or nod and gape, then steal a nap. 
And tumble off your seat. 

So we won't preach a sermon, 
For you who chance to hear; 

For it is best that all should rest 
From sermons once a year. 

— 93 — 



WINKS 

For sermons do come often, 
And few have any jokes; 

And sometimes too, when old or new, 
They tire us little folks. 

And so a change one Sabbath 
Will rest our pastor dear; 

But it is strange so nice a change 
Does come but once a year. 

I think we'll all enjoy it; 

And if you'll listen well, 
We promise you we'll soon be through 

With what we have to tell. 

Our program is not lengthy. 

But short and sweet with song; 

So if you will keep very still, 
We won't detain you long. 




^ry. 



V.^^ 



94 



WINKS 



WHEN A FELLER'S A BOY 

When a boy's born a boy, 

Why he'd better be dead; 
Fer ther's nuthin in life, 

But some trouble ahead. 
When he gits big enough 

Fer to want his own way, 
An' his mother says ^^ No ! ^^ 

Then's the dickens ter pay. 
Why, you never does nuthin 

What you calls any joy. 
But it ends up in trouble 

When a feller's a boy. 

When you're ^^ drainin' ^^ a boy 
From the marbles he's got. 

And his chum's lippin' in, 
Then the trouble gits hot. 

Ef you're playin' at ball 

An' the game's goin' right, 

— 95 — 



WINKS 

Then the first thing you knows 
There's a bust-up an' fight; 

An' you sees your best chum 
Thro wed around like a toy, — 

An' that's how it goes 
When a feller's a boy. 

Ef your neighbor's a boy, 

Jest about your own size. 
An' your sweetheart's a girl 

With some purty blue eyes. 
Then there's trouble agin! 

An' the first thing you knows 
He's a steppin' right in, 

An' about to perpose; 
Then he brags to his chums. 

An' your feelin's alloy! — 
An' that's what you gits 

When a feller's a boy. 

Now, the girls who ain't boys, 
Are all lucky, you see; 

Per they don't have the trials 
Like the boy who's like me. 

By a stubbin' ther toes. 

An' a-breakin' ther bones, 

-96- 



WINKS 

An* a-ketchin the deuce, 

When they reaches ther homes. 
No! ther lives is all smooth/ 

With nuthin to annoy — 
But it's never like that 

When a feller's a boy. 

Now a boy is a boy! 

An' it's no use to scold, 
Fer he can't be no differ'nt 

Until he gits old; 
'Cause he can't help his ways 

Ef he tries an' he tries, 
Ner he can't see ahead 

With a pair of boy's eyes. 
So he's got ter live on 

With more trouble than joy, 
An' it makes a chap wish 

That he wasn't a boy. 



^ ^ v^^ v-^ 



97 



WINKS 



TWO GOSLINGS 

Two goslings fair, a venturous pair, 
Dwelt by an ocean deep and wide; 

They loved it so, and longed to go 
Upon its changing tide to ride — ■ 
Just once. 

But goosies old these young had told 
They must not venture on the sea; 

But like young do, they thought they knew 
There could no danger for them be. 
Foolish pair! 

Without a boat they went to float 
Upon its wicked, dashing waves; 

There came a gale and made them wail, 
And now they sleep in watery graves. 
Poor goslings! 



98 



WINKS 



WHEN MA BEGINS TO CLEAN 

Of all -the days that comes around, 

There's none like happy spring, 
When dandelions is peepin' up 

And frogs begin to sing. 
There's sunshine on the coalhouse roof, 

An' on the grass so green; 
But none of these is joy to me 

When ma begins to clean. 

You dasn't have the kids around 

To play at hide an' seek, 
'Cause ef the boys makes any noise 

She'll yell, ^^You younguns, sneak !^^ 
I dasn't jig upon the floor, 

Ner even slam the screen, 
'Cause them is dangerous times for me 

When ma begins to clean. 

L.ofC. — 99 — 



WINKS 

She turns the cupboards out-side-in, 

And finds my balls an' bats; 
Then turns the closets down-side-up, 

An' shakes my coats an' hats. 
Then all my pockets catch it too, 

An' things flies down the drain, 
Unless I hides 'em all away 

When ma begins to clean. 

An' when the neighbors come to call. 

She never stops a bit; 
But tells 'em all she's lots to do, 

An' soon they'll up an' git. 
An' ef a agent's at the door — ' 

He'd better not be seen! 
'Cause no one's 'lowed to hang around 

When ma begins to clean. 

An' ef the stovepipe tumbles out, 

An' soot is in the air, 
An' pa is called to put it back, 

Why, he don't even swear; 
But puts it back without a word — 

Don't even say, ^^ It's mean.^^ 
It's better not to say so much 

When ma begins to clean. 

lOO — 



WINKS 

The dinners too is purty slim, 

But pa don't say a word; 
'Cause pa is old enough to know 

He'd better not be heard. 
He's lived with ma for many years, 

An' says, ^^ Life ain't no dream, 
When everything is down-side-up 

An' ma begins to clean. ^^ 

Us childerns has to walk er line, 

Er else we'll wish we had; 
'Cause we don't like the consequence 

When ma is cleaning mad. 
We'd ruther live in all the dirt 

An' have it alus seen. 
Than live the times we alus does 

When ma begins to clean. 




lOI — 



WINKS 



BOY AND BEE 

There lived a shining bumblebee, 
That loved the scented flowers; 

And so he sipped their honey sweet 
Through all the sunny hours. 

He loved the rose for it's perfume, 
The pansy for its ^^face,^^ 

The poppy for its gaudy style, 
The tulip for its grace. 

There was a naughty little boy, 
That loved the flowers too; 

But every time he saw that bee. 
He made a great ado. 

He chased him from the 'glory vine^ 

And from the roses red, 
And from the other scented flowers 

Where bumble put his head. 



I02 



WINKS 

Poor bumblebee was sorely grieved, 
And sought his humble nest 

Within a blooming clover field, 
Where he could peacefully rest. 

But boy and bee met once again 

Within a flowery spot; 
Then bee did plant upon boy's nose 

A quick forget-me-not. 

Now boy and bee do quite agree 
Through all the sunny hours; 

For naughty boy is 'fraid to chase 
The bee from scented flowers. 




103 — 



WINKS 



HARLEY'S TRIP TO DREAMLAND 

One night 

When I climbed into bed 

And covered my head, 

The moon and stars were bright; 
Then I dropped into sleep 
That was peaceful and deep, 

And sailed away from sight. 

And I took my trip 

In a big white ship 
To that dreamland, beamland world; 

And the flag waved high 

In the moonlit sky 
That the wind of night unfurled. 

The wind was strong, 

So I sailed along 
In a hurr'ing, skurr'ing race; 

And the queer things there 

Made me laugh and stare. 
That dwelt in that dreamland place. 

— 104 — 



WINKS 

For the frogs had wings, 
And they did queer things, 

And the birds had fins and scales; 
And the ducks had wool 
That the maids could pull, 

And the fish had legs and tails. 

And the girls were fair, 

With ribbons for hair. 
But their hats were made of leaves; 

And they wore shirtwaists 

Of the queerest of taste. 
With the stars and stripes for sleeves. 

They had eyes of blue 
That would shine like dew, 

When the light had died away; 
They would sing and talk. 
And dance the ^^ cake walk, ^^ 

When the stars came out to play. 

They could teach the birds 

How to spell big words, 
And the ducks to climb up trees; 

And the lambs and sheep 

How to play bo-peep, 
And the hop-toads how to sneeze. 

— 105 — 



WINKS 

There I watched those girls 
With their ribbon curls. 

Till I wished they all were mine; 
And I thought, if I could, 
That I sure, certain would 

Send them each a valentine. 

Soon the stars grew dim, 

And the moon got slim, 
So I left that dreamland town. 

When my ship sailed back 

It was only a hack 
With runners of sky-blue-brown. 




io6 



WINKS 



BILLIE 

BiLLiE went a-fishing, 

In a little brook; 
With a little string for line, 

And a bended pin for hook. 

Billie lost his balance, 

And fell into the brook; 

Then scrambled for the shore, 
But lost his little hook. 

Billie never fishes now, 

In a little brook, 
With a little string for line 

And a bended pin for hook. 

For Billie learned a lesson 
That he never can forget; 

So he stays away from brooks, 
'Cause he's 'fraid of getting wet. 



107 



WINKS 



GEORGE'S LETTER 

When George was thinking one dark night, 

He wondered how it was 
That down the chimney without light, 

Could come old Santa Claus. 

^^ 'Tis nearly Christmas time,^^ he thought, 

So fetched his pen and ink, 
^^And just before I go to bed 

I'll write a line, I think. 

^Vril write him what I'd like to get, 

In this wxe Christmas note, 
And then I know he won't forget. ^^ 

So George then sat and wrote* 

^^ I'm just as good as I can be, 

'Cause mama said I am; 
So won't you bring some gifts for me, 

For ^ mama's little man ? ^ 

— io8 — 



WINKS 

^^ I don't want any dolls, you know, 
'Cause I'm one of the boys; 

But bring a drum, and horn to blow, 
So I can make some noise. 

^^And don't bring- any ^ girlish ^ sled, 
'Cause they are all so high; 

^^ But bring a ^ low-down ^ painted red, 
So I can fairly fly. 

^^ Now, Santa, please do 'member plain 
When 3'ou come Christmas time. 

Don't put my gifts for sister Jane, 
'Cause her foot's big as mine. 

^^ My stocking's got a ribbon on. 

All tied in stylish bows; 
But Jane's is almost twice as long, 

And ^ holey ^ at the toes.^^ 

He sealed that letter with a lick. 

To make it fasten tight, 
Then pressed it hard to make it stick, 

That stormy, wintry night. 

— 109 — 



WINKS 

But where, oh, where was Santa's home ? 

Now puzzled George's brain; 
For was it built in sunny Rome, 

Or on an Iceland plain ? 

And who would take the letter there ? 

What postman knew the way ? 
For Santa lived — no one knew where, 

No one could even say. 

He tore it up and went to bed 

Without his evening prayer, 
For stranger thoughts went through his head 

As he climbed the kitchen stair. 

So very queer one seemed to be. 

And this is what it was: 
^^It's all a they're telling me, 

There ain't no Santa Claus ! ^^ 



^ ^ ♦ ^ * ^.:S^^^^^^ x ^ ^ *^' 




:(g 



no 



WINKS 



FORGETFUL TOMMIE 

Young Tommie was a laddie 

Who loved to pout and fret; 
Who never could remember, 

But always would forget. 
He never knew for anything 

That wasn't just in sight, 
And seldom ever did he know 

Where he left his clothes at night. 

And when he woke at morning, 

'Twas ^^ Mama, where's my clothes ? 
I don't know where I left 'em, 

I guess nobody know^s. ^^ 
And when 'twas time to go to school, 

*Twas hunt for this or that; 
'Twas, ^^ Where's my umbrella ? ^^ 

Or, ^^ Help me find my hat. ^^ 

— Ill — 



WINKS 

And thus he kept her hunting 

To find his needed things, 
Till mama often wondered 

If his clothes had taken wings; 
And it was a dreadful habit 

That he allowed to grow, 
Of putting every article 

Where it surely didn't go. 

His shoes were in the kitchen, 

His hat ^^ hung on the floor, ^^ 
His coat was in the parlor, 

Or lost behind the door; 
His bat was in the corner. 

His ball was anywhere. 
His collar on the mantle, 

And necktie on a chair. 

He never knew for pencils, 

But ^Most 'em all,^^ he said, 
Till teacher often wondered 

If he knew where sat his head. 
He seldom knew for lessons, 

The pages he ^^ forgot ^^; 
And never seemed to worry 

If he learned them well or not. 

112 



WINKS 

But mama found a remedy 

For boys of Tommie's kind, 
And gave it in such doses 

That it cured his thoughtless mind. 
And it wasn't ^^ bread and lasses, ^^ 

With sugar on the top. 
Nor it wasn't taffy candy; 

But 'twas simply : ^^ I forgot. ^^ 

She forgot to find his clothing, 

When he called for them at morn; 
Forgot to mend his pockets, 

When she found them ripped and torn; 
She forgot to get his breakfast 

When Tommie went to school; 
And forgot to kiss him bye-bye. 

Till ^^ forgot ^^ became a rule. 

And thus she gave the doses 

That cured his pout and fret, 
And never in years after 

Did he ever once forget. 
And they cured him of the habit 

That he allowed to grow. 
Of putting every article 

Where it surely didn't go. 

8 —113 — 



WINKS 



US TWO 

My sis'er Sue, she's littler 'n me, 
'Cause I is five an' her is free. 

But some day, sis'er Sue, she 
'111 jess ketch up to me. 

I's got some tops 'at whirls an' sings 
An' she's got dishes an' uzer fings. 

But we likes dolls, we bof us do! 
'Cause I's got one an' she's got two. 

But my poor doll has boke her head, 
An' sis'er says 'at makes her dead. 

So us played funeral t'other day. 
An' took my poor dead doll away. 

An' then us cried some little too, 
'Cause sis'er said 'at bid folks do. 

— 114 — 



WINKS 

Nen mama said 'twas awful sad 
That dolly's head was boke so bad. 

An' when the funeral was all froo, 
We dugged my dolly up, — us two, — 

An' put her in her little bed, 
Nen mama fixed her boken head. 

But our mama, she loves us two, 
'Cause her always says her do! 

An' we loves her an' loves each uver! 
'Cause she's my sis'er an' I's her bruver 




— 115 



WINKS 



A NAUGHTY HORNET 

A-STROLLiNG out One morning, 
A June bug chanced to spy 

A cricket by the roadside 
A chirping to a fly. 

Along the road came beetle, 
A-singing of the past; 

Around him they all gathered 
A-list'ning to the blast. 

Across the way came hopper, 
A-hopping through the gate; 

A-tumbling over June bug, 
Afraid he would be late. 

A-down from tree came hornet, 
A-buzzing very loud, 

Alighting very softly 

Amongst the noisy crowd. 

— ii6 — 



WINKS 

A spider came a-weaving, 

A-swinging into space 
Above the noisy singers 

A web of catchy lace. 

Away the singers scattered, 

A-leaving spider wise 
A-thinking he was catching 

A dinner worth a prize. 

A hopper hopped way out of sight, 

A beetle followed too, 
A bug went limping through the grass, 

A cricket chirped, ^^ Adieu. ^^ 

A hornet left a spider 

A-swinging in the air, 
A-crying and a-dying, because 

A hornet stung him there. 




— 117 



WINKS 



CLEMONT'S DAY DREAM 

Clemont was whiling the hours away, 
Dreaming a dream one summer day; 

Sitting beneath a shady tree, 
Wishing that he a man might be; 

Wishing for riches, wishing for fame, 
Wishing that he as a king might reign. 

A cloud sailed o'er the sky so blue 
And hid the sun from Clemont's view; 

He watched it float and disappear, 
Until again the sky was clear. 

He looked again and thoughts like this 
Went through his mind in dreamy bliss 

When I'm a man a king I'll be. 
And rule the land from sea to sea; 

— ii8 — 



WINKS 

I'll live a life of wealth and ease, 
And always do as I may please. 

He closed his eyes and soon became 
A noted king of golden fame, 

Who sat upon a royal throne 

And ruled the world as king alone; 

A king with diamonds rich and rare, 
That sparkled in his jetty hair. 

His body guards were laughing girls, 
With saucy eyes and sunny curls. 

His chariots were all ^^ auto'biles ^^ 
With silver springs and golden wheels. 

And all his horses highly fed 

On pies and cakes and ginger bread. 

His dogs fared well on sweetened milk, 
And wore high hats of china silk. 

His cats were robed in costly fur. 
And to the king would softly pur. 

— 119 — 



WINKS 

And when King Clemont went to ride, 
The cats and dogs sat by his side. 

He rode about in royal style, 

And greeted all with pleasant smile. 

The people laughed and cheered him loud. 
Whene'er he passed a merry crowd. 

He waved his hand in rapturous glee. 
For king and ruler now was he. 

A cloud passed o'er the sky so blue, 
And hid the sun from mortal view; 

It floated off and dropped a tear. 
That fell upon King Clemont's ear. 

It woke him up and spoiled his joy: 
For he was yet — but a little boy. 




I20 



WINKS 



JOHNNY'S SISTERS 

Johnny's sisters numbered three, 

And all had sunny curls; 
But poor Johnny couldn't see 
Why he should so bothered be 
With such a lot of girls. 

There was older sister Bess, 
Johnny's second mother; 

Next came blue-eyed ^^ bossy ^^ Tess. 

Number three was wilful Jess, 
No better than the other. 

How they loved to tease and spat, 

The naughty little chicks! 
They would hide his ball and bat, 
Wear his Sunday coat and hat. 
And serve him other tricks. 



121 



WINKS 

Girls were such a hateful race! 

Johnny would declare; 
For he never went a place, 
But they all would wash his face, 

And comb his tangled hair. 

Johnny's faults were many too, 

For such a tiny lad; 
But his sisters always knew 
What was really best to do 

When Johnny acted bad. 

One day Johnny fell quite ill; 

^^ 'Tis mumps, ^^ the doctor said. 
Then his sisters, 'gainst his will, 
Made him swallow down a pill. 

And put him in his bed. 

In his bed poor Johnny lay. 
As sick as he could be; 

Couldn't join in any play 

Through the long and dreary day, 
With his sisters three. 



122 



WINKS 

Mustard plasters they did make, 

Till Johnny was a fright; 
Pumpkin pies and puddings bake, 
Richest kind of frosted cake 
To tempt his appetite. 

And they cared for him so kind, — 
The precious little brother, — 

No better nurses could he find; 

All his wants they seemed to mind, 
Like a thoughtful mother. 

So they pulled sick Johnny through, 

With such a dreadful face; 
For Johnny's sisters always knew 
What was really best to do 
In little brother's case. 

Though his sisters numbered three, 
And all have sunny curls. 

Little Johnny now can see 

What a lucky boy is he 
With such a lot of girls. 



— 123 — 



WINKS 



LITTLE BROTHER, LITTLE SISTER 

Do NOT quarrel with each other, 

Little sister, little brother; 
'Tis a naughty thing to do, 
And it hurts your mother too. 

To quarrel with each other. 

Do not strike or push each other. 

Little sister, little brother; 
'Tis a sin to strike a blow 
That will cause a tear to flow, 

And hurt the heart of mother. 

Love each other while you may, 
Gentle be in all your play, 
For there'll come a sorry day 

When you'll be parted from each other 

Little sister, little brother. 



124 



WINKS 



WILL'S DOLLAR BILL 

Our Will had earned a dollar bill, 

And rich he seemed to be; 
But what to do with such a sum 

Was more than he could see. 
He wondered 'bout the prices now, 

And if they'd be too high; 
How far his treasured sum would go 

When he began to buy. 

There were so many different things 

That Will had wanted so; 
But which of them he wanted most 

He really didn't know. 
He looked the merchant's windows o'er 

Until his eyes grew dim, 
And sighed to think those pretty toys 

Were never meant for him. 

— 125 — 



WINKS 

But now he had a dollar bill 

That he had really earned; 
And so he'd have the tempting things 

For which he long had yearned. 
And he was going to buy them too, 

And spend his every cent, 
So with a bright and smiling face 

Into a store he went. 

But how to spend his precious cash 

And get the most for it. 
Was quite a serious question now 

That puzzled him a bit. 
For Will had longed to have some cars, 

And wished for bat and ball, 
And longed for books and jolly games, 

But now, he'd have them all. 

A bat and ball he'd purchase first. 

So picked them from the rest; 
He'd waited for them such a time 

And now he'd have the best! 
He asked the price, and trembled while 

He waited for reply; 
Then with a disappointed look 

He said, « That's most too high!» 

— 126 — 



WINKS 

He changed his mind then ^^ double-quick ! ^^ 

For that would never do; 
His dollar would be nearly gone 

And he not half way through. 
The bat, he thought, would soon be broke, 

The ball would soon be lost, 
And then he wanted neither one, 

At any trifling cost. 

He looked at books and then at games, 
And asked the price of each; 

But found the sum when added up 

Beyond his dollar's reach. 

And so he couldn't have the things 

That he had longed to buy; 

For just a dollar wasn't much, 

When prices were so high. 

And that was far as he would go. 

He cared to try no more; 
His pile of cash looked very small 

To what it had before. 
^^ But now I know what I can do!^^ 

Thought poor, discouraged Will, 
^^ I'll do without the useless things, 

And save my dollar bill.^^ 

— 127 — 



WINKS 



THE DIFFERENT KIND ER BOY 

There's another boy what I know, 

And he ain't like me; 

But we alus kin agree. 
He's a differ'nt kind er boy. 

He's got yeller curls ; 

He wouldn't step on a worm 
Jest to see it jump and squirm, - 

He'd go way round it. 

But I wouldn't do that! 
I like to hold 'em up so. 
An' then give 'em a throw. 

As far as I can make 'em go. 

Us other boys call him a girl-boy; 
But his pa calls him ^^ sonny, ^^ 
An' his ma calls him ^^ honey, ^^ 

An' he likes them names. 

— 128 — 



WINKS 

He don't tear his pants like me; 
Ner carry stones in his pockets, 
Ner shoot any sky rockets, 

'Cause he's 'fraid of 'em. 

He squeals like a girl too. 

And plays all day with dolls, 
Instead of playin' with balls 

Like us other boys do. 

He never gits inter any fights, 
Ner ever wades in ditches. 
An' makes his ma cut switches, 

'Cause he never does nuthin bad. 

He can't whistle good as I kin, 
Ner throw near as far either. 
He never hits nuthin neither, 

'Cause he throws like a girl. 

I cv.:. glad I ain't like him! 

My mother says she likes boys 
That's full of fun an' noise. 

An' she thinks I'm all right. 

) — 129 — 



WINKS 



PA'S MEM'RY 

It*s a purty hard thing for a fellow that's young, 
To be alus corrected when he's having some fun; 
But a hundred times worse and twicer as sad, 
To have a poor father whose mem'ry is bad. 

For his boyhood is gone and will never come 

back 
To take him again o'er its troublesome track; 
But I wish he could live it all over again. 
Then he might recollect like the rest of the men. 

But he only kin mind that he never did wrong. 
When he was a boy in the days that are gone. 

An' he never remembers the tricks that he did. 
Nor the stories he told when he was a kid; 
An' he's kinder forgotten the music of pails 
That he ust to tie to the neighbor cats' tails. 

— 130 — 



WINKS 

An' one of the things that he don't 'seem to mind 
Is the poor robin's nest that he often would find; 
When grandma would say, ^^ 'Tis a pity an' shame, ^^ 
Why he was the boy that was never to blame. 

Nor he doesn't remember a day in his years. 
That he ever caused grandma to shed any tears; 
An' I think it as funny as father himself, 
How her dough auts an* pies disappeared from the 
shelf. 

But his mem'ry is poor an* in such a bad state, 
That it's seldom a trick of his youth can relate. 
But I happened ter know of a thing er two 
That pa an' his chums could ust ter do. 

An' the boys were worser in the days gone by 
Than ever we'd be if we'd try an' we'd try! 
An', mind you, I know that my father was bad, 
For grandpa ust often to give him the gad. 

So he oughtn't to scold his poor little boy. 
Who never does nothin' to hurt or annoy; 
For days will be dreary an' years will be sad 
A-livin' with him while his mem'ry is bad. 

— 131 — 



WINKS 



THE TREE-TOAD ON THE LIMB 

There was a little tree-toad once 

That sat upon a limb; 
That little tree-toad winked at me, 

And then I winked at him. 

And then he winked at me again, 
That tree-toad on the limb; 

So I just kept a-winking too, 
And got the wink on him. 




132 — 



WINKS 



IT WASN'T ME! 

There lived a little laddie once 
Who never ^^ did no wrong ^^ ; 

He never was the guilty one 
When anything was gone. 

^^It wasn't me who done it,-^ 
He said to sister May, 

When dolly's head was broken 
Or pussy scared away. 

^^ It wasn't me who et it ! ^^ 

Was always his reply, 
When grandma would inquire 

Who'd eaten all the pie. 

^Vlt wasn't me who throwed it!^^ 
He told his teacher too, 

When window panes were broken 
By sticks and stones he threw. 

— -^zz — 



WINKS 

^^ It wasn't me beginned it ! ^^ 

When a quarrel was on the go; 

And, ^^ 'Twas him that made a face 
And struck the firstest blow ! ^^ 

Nor he ^^ wasn't doin' nuthin,^^ 

When the fellow called him names; 

Nor he ^^ didn't do no cheatin',^^ 
When he played in any games. 

Nor it wasn't he who whispered 
And broke the teacher's rule; 

Nor it wasn't he who disobeyed 
And ran away from school. 

Oh, he's quite a little angel! 

And no one does annoy; 
And we're glad in our school 

We haven't such a boy. 



f^"^^ 



— 134 



WINKS 



IF 



If I could only change this world to suit me, 
How different the lives of us boys 'uld be! 
From work an' from scoldin's we'd all be set free. 

Then school wouldn't keep more'n a day in a 

week, 
An' Sunday'd be Monday, an' Monday'd be fine, 
Without any clouds, an' nuthin but shine. 

Nor there wouldn't be night comin' on after day. 
So all of the boys 'ould do nuthin but play; 
An' every last one could have his own way. 

Then we all could set up like the biggest of folks, 
An' listen to stories or laugh at the jokes, 
Without ever getting them ^^go-to-bed pokes. ^^ 

An' all of the apples that fell to the ground, 
I'd turn into peaches all yellow an' sound, 
An* never forget to pass 'em around. 

— 135 — 



WINKS 

An' quinces would grow all juicy an' sweet, 
An' all the year round be ready to eat 
With sugar an' cream that couldn't be beat. 

An' cherries would grow in the cold winter time, 
When robin was callin' in a sunnier clime, 
So he couldn't steal of your cherries or mine. 

An' nice apple dumplin's would grow ready made, 
An' dew would be honey an' flow in the shade 
By the side of a stream of cool lemonade. 

An' dumplin's would drop right down from trees 

Right into the honey, as nice as you please; 

An' the honey would smoke an' scare off the bees. 

Then boys would be happy, an' life would be sweet. 
With nothing to do an' plenty to eat. 




— 136 



WINKS 



GEORGE'S EXAMPLE 

'TwAS a long time ago, so histories tell, 

That little George Washington came here to dwell ; 

And nobody thought the baby so small 

Would ever grow up so grand and so tall. 

But never once caring for what people said, 
He sprang into boyhood with wonderful tread; 
And set an example, as every one knows, 
That will ne'er be forgotten while a cherry-tree 
grows. 

It was telling the truth, as an honest boy can, 
And sticking right to it, till he grew up a man. 
And he never regretted, as the years sped away, 
That he told but the truth to his father that day. 

Now, 'twas awfully wrong to cut down a tree. 
But a great sight wronger it surely would be 
For a chap with a hatchet the trick to deny, 
And tell to his father a ^^ barefaced ^^ — untruth. 

— 137 — 



WINKS 

If 5^011 Ve done a wrong deed and your pap finds 

it out, 
Just do as young George did — don't keep him in 

doubt ; 
But hold up your head, and look in his eye — 
Don't stammer or stutter — But say, ^^ It was PM 

Now, we can't all be Washingtons and reach a 

great fame; 
Nor we can't all be Lincolns and earn a great 

name ; 
But we all can be men that are loyal and true, 
That will stand for the right in all that we do. 

There's a place for each one to honorably fill; 
A name for each one to make, if he will; 
A duty for each one in life set apart, 
A duty from which we should never depart. 

And when we are grown to manhood's estate. 
In goodness and kindness let us try to be great. 



— 138 



WINKS 



DAVID'S SOLILOQUY 

Now, a boy is one kind of person, 

And his sister is another. 
And it's her place to wash dishes, 

And wait on her brother, 
I think. 

And if she's bigger *n mm, 

Why, she ought to find his hat, 

And brush his shoes and coat, 

And keep track of his ball and bat 
And other things. 

And go and get 'em every time 

That he wants to play, 
'Thout sassin him back, 

When he asts her in a nice way 
To fetch 'em. 



-^19 — 



WINKS 

Then if she's stouter 'n him, 

She ought to do the heavy work, 

'Stead of settin' in the parlor, 
And always tryin' to shirk 
It onto him. 

Girls ain't s' much account as boys ! 

And they cost more too; 
'Cause they're never 't all satisfied, 

But always wantin' somethin' new 
To make 'em purty. 

And they think they're better 'n boys! 

But they know how to raise a fuss, 
And know how to slide out of it 

And lay the blame onto us 
Every time. 

I don't see what we have to have 
So many of 'em around for! 

They're kind a handy sometimes; 
But I'm glad there ain't any more 
In our family! 



140 



WINKS 

I think other boys* sisters act 
A good deal nicer 'n mine do! 

And I like 'em better 'n mine! 
And they like me better too, — 
So they say. 




— 141 



WINKS 



MARTIN'S REWARD 

In frosty array St. Valentine's Day 
Had dawned again as of old; 

But boys and girls went off to school 
Ne'er minding the frost nor cold. 

And all had spent their every cent 

To buy some valentines, 
And hoped to please their dearest friends 

With some sweet love-writ lines. 

One happy lad, 'mongst others, had 

Long counted on the day; 
And saved his pennies and his dimes 

To spend them in that way. 

And thus he bought for those he thought 

That were neglected so; 
For every year he grieved to see 

That some had none to show. 

— 142 — 



WINKS 

And in his heart he felt the smart 
For those who never got any; 

Who never knew the joy expressed 
By those who got so many. 

And so this year he planned to cheer 
Each sad, neglected friend; 

And all, he said, should share alike 
The gifts that he should send. 

Oh, what a joy for this one boy; 

And how their faces glowed; 
When each received the little gift 

That Martin had bestowed! 

But none of them had thought to send 

A valentine to him; 
What wonder that unbidden tears 

Had made his eyes grow dim. 

But naught he said, as home he sped, 

Of all that he had done; 
And then to mother dear he told 

That he had gotten none. 

— 143 — 



WINKS 

But mother dear had words of cheer, 
And this is what she said: 
^^ Although no pleasure you've received, 
You've given much instead. 

^^And that, my boy, should bring you joy, 

And this your motto be : 
^ril give to others all I can. 

Though they forgetteth me.^^^ 

Though Martin had felt very sad 

Because he hadn't any, 
The joy of giving unto others 

Was a reward worth many. 




144 



WINKS 



WHEN I'M GROWED UP BIG 

When I'm growed tip big, 

I'll be, if I can, 
Just the very nicest 

Kind of a man. 

I never will swear 

Like the most boys do; 
I never will drink, 

Nor tobacco will chew. 

ril try to be good 
And do as I ought, 

And remember the words 
That mama has taught, 

When I'm growed up big. 



IP — 145 



WINKS 



CHANGES 

(Lines written when Lisle began to go to school.) 

Why is the house so lonely and still ? 
Why is the silence so deathlike and chill ? 
Where is the baby that oft before 
Sat playing with blocks on the kitchen floor ? 

The blocks in the corner are all in a pile, 
With a row of brownies in single file. 
The chairs, as I put them, each in its place ; 
But where, oh where ! is the baby face ? 

There's a little worn cap that hangs on a nail, 
There's a battered drum and a beaten pail, 
And books of stories he liked to hear; 
But where, oh where ! is my little dear ? 

There's a little shoe that is badly worn. 
There's a little coat all tattered and torn. 
And a little flag that saw better days 
Till it fell in the hands of a baby*s ways. 

— 146 — 



WINKS 

Oh, where is the boy I loved so well ? 
He's gone to another house to dwell. 
Oh, where is the boy with face so fair ? 
He's gone to be in another one's care. 

The doors are all shut and in order the room, 
But the house is filled with a dreadful gloom; 
While I sit and grieve o'er changes sad, 
Yet in my heart I really am glad. 

The door bursts open, and with slate and rule 
In comes my six-year-old baby from school. 
His face all aglow with pride and with joy, 
And home once again is my sweet baby boy. 




— 147 — 



WINKS 

JULY 

The giinny time, the funny time, 

Is when July rolls round; 
For then the boys with cracker noise. 

Are making lots of sound. 

'Tis then we hear the cannon clear, 

And see the rocket's show; 
*Tis then we look for line and hook, 

And all a-fishing go. 

Then school is out, so we may shout 

And play upon the grass; 
We'll climb the trees and hunt the bees, 

And live on ^^ garden sass. ^^ 

We'll hie away at break o' day 

To find the shady nook; 
We'll find the stream and soon be seen 

A-wading in the brook. 

We'll mow the fields and gather yields 
And thresh them bye and bye; 

And so we'll live and always wish 
The months were all July. 

— 148 — 



WINKS 



AUGUST 



The hottest time in any clime, 

Is when hot August does draw near; 

The mercury boils, the pudding spoils, 
And doggy days are here. 

Oh, these are days for picnic plays. 

And games upon the green; 
And now we'll find the melon rind 

On picnic ground is seen. 

And now we'll hear the crickets drear, 

In crickets' mournful lay; 
They'll chirp the song they've chirped so long, 

From eve till break o* day. 

I'd have this time in every clime, 

And never mind the sun, 
If I could stay from school away, 

And always have such fun. 

I wish these days with all these plays. 

Could last forevermore; 
I hate the looks of study books, 

When vacation is all o'er! 

— 149 — 



WINKS 



SEPTEMBER 



September has come, a month so fair, 
With ripened fruit and cooler air; 
With golden rod, so bright and yellow. 
With pippins round, so nice and mellow. 

The tempting grape upon the vine 
Is picked and crushed to ruby wine; 
The asters proudly nod their heads 
To neighbor flowers in other beds. 

Now Katie's song upon the breeze 
Is wafted from the orchard trees; 
She sings her song as oft before, 
But sings the same one o'er and o'er. 

The autumn comes with silent tread, 
And turns the woodbine's green to red; 
And follows summer's hurrying feet 
With cooler winds for ones of heat. 

Now is the time to store away 
The golden fruit for winter's day; 
And so this month is brighter far 
Than all the months of summer are. 

— ISO — 



WINKS 



OCTOBER 



October is here, so gay and bright, 

And old Jack Frost has peeped in sight. 

He hid away when springtime came. 
But now he's seen in field and lane. 

He'll paint the leaves all red and gold 
And make them lovely to behold; 

He'll nip the bud and tender shoot. 
Then laugh to see the flowers droop. 

He'll freeze the burrs on the chestnut-tree. 
And open them all for us to see; 

He'll make the nuts from the hickory fall, 
That we may find them, one and all. 

We'll stroll through wood and walk through 
leaves, 

And redden our cheeks in autumn's breeze. 
No other month can e'er compare 

With the hazy days of October fair. 

These days are brighter far than all 
The days of summer, spring, or fall; 

With changing hues so bright and gay, 
I wish this month would always stay. 

— 151 — 



WINKS 



NOVEMBER 



The dreary days of November 
Have come with sky o'ercast; 

And days of summer glory 
Are days now of the past. 

But though the days are gloomy 
Without the sun's bright ray, • 

There comes a time of pleasure, 
We call Thanksgiving Day. 

We hear the church bells ringing, 
And see them gather in; 

We hear the people singing, 
Their praises unto Him. 

And how the praises echo. 

From church to towering hill; 

They lift our thoughts to heaven - 
Our hearts with gladness fill. 

Though Nature sheds her beauty, 
And summer days are o'er; 

There still is one remaining, 
We should be thankful for. 

— 152 — 



WINKS 

DECEMBER 

December is here, the end of the year, 

The month that I like best; 
For Christmas time, with merry chime, 

Is better than all the rest. 

The jing-le of bells a sweet story tells, 
How a Babe in a manger lay; 

How a shining star guided afar 

The men who were searching the way. 

The story so sweet we always repeat 
As Christmas time draws nigh; 

That little ones dear the story may hear. 
And learn of Jesus on high. 

And jingle of bells another one tells, 

A story they like to hear: 
Of a queer old chap with a queer old cap, 

Who comes but once a year. 

So bells may chime for Christmas time, 

The merriest of the year; 
So well I like the Christmas bright, 

I would keep it always here. 

— 153 — 



NOV S3 1900 



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